Milestones in the restructuring of the Saint-Louis School Group
Initiated in the summer of 2021, the aim of these works was to increase the school's capacity, from 12 to 20 classes, and to adapt the premises to BBC standards. Comprising four buildings, the school complex has undergone a profound transformation.
Building A, housing the kindergarten, underwent extensive renovation. The building and roof were preserved and renovated. New floors and openings were created to bring in more light and accommodate new joinery. Two extensions were added to serve as children's dormitories. An outside passageway was demolished and then refurbished in a contemporary architectural style.
Building B, which houses the kindergarten reception hall, several workshops and a library, was renovated. The existing building was also renovated, and completed with an adjacent construction. As a result, children will be able to move around in premises that have been redesigned for greater comfort, including the lower level, which houses the school canteen and kitchens.
Building C, the elementary school, includes technical areas such as the boiler room and electrical room. Finally, Building D comprises a brand-new gymnasium and janitor's accommodation.
The particularities of the project
The major challenge of the project lay in the fact that the work was carried out on an occupied site. This naturally required the installation of temporary premises, with reinforced insulation, to accommodate the children during the works, as well as the introduction of special safety measures. To date, the school and gymnasium have been fully completed and occupied since January 2024. An additional green space is currently being finalized.
The project's environmental approach
In keeping with our environmental approach, the works were carried out with particular care for site waste management, and with the use of environmentally-friendly materials. Low-carbon concrete partially replaced traditional concrete, and wood wool was used throughout the site to optimize thermal insulation.
The project is also characterized by the absence of air-conditioning, which is too energy-intensive, and the emphasis was placed on reinforcing insulation and installing airbreakers and ventilators. The entire project, including the orientation and purpose of each room, has been designed to ensure that children are not exposed to excessive heat, even in summer. Finally, the installation of solar panels on the roofs of the four buildings enables the city of Marseille to produce part of its own energy. A virtuous circle that has earned this project the E+C- label.
Benefits for students and teachers
In addition to being able to work in an infrastructure that meets today's comfort requirements, students and teachers now benefit from a gymnasium, the real added value of the project. Previously, students had to travel to nearby facilities to take part in sporting activities. Today, the semi-buried building is ideal for a wide range of activities, including athletics and ball games. The gymnasium roof, designed as an extension of the playground, enhances the useful space. Finally, the installation of two elevators, one to access the gymnasium, the other to the elementary school rooms, means that children with motor disabilities can also be accommodated.
In addition to the benefits for pupils and teachers, the gym will be accessible to neighboring associations on Wednesday afternoons and weekends. It's also a way for the municipality to extend the benefits of this large-scale operation to all local residents.
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